Definition

Verb: * To leave a place very suddenly and quickly, often in a manner that suggests urgency, fear, or a desire to escape an unpleasant situation.

Usage

The verb "bolt out" describes a rapid, impulsive departure. It emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the exit. It is often used when someone leaves to avoid something awkward, boring, frightening, or undesirable.

Examples

• "When the fire alarm sounded, everyone bolted out of the building." (This shows a sudden, urgent exit due to danger.)
• "He bolted out of the room as soon as the meeting was over." (This emphasizes a quick departure, likely due to eagerness to leave.)
• "The cat bolted out the door when it heard a loud noise." (This illustrates a sudden, frightened escape.)

Advanced Usage

• "to bolt out of the blue": This is a less common, figurative use combining "bolt out" with the idiom "out of the blue" (meaning unexpectedly). It describes an idea or action that emerges suddenly and surprisingly.
  • Example: "His decision to quit his job bolted out of the blue and shocked everyone."

Variants and Related Words

• Bolt (verb): The core verb meaning to move or run away suddenly. "Bolt out" is a specific phrasal verb form.
  • Example: "The horse bolted when it saw the snake."
• Run out (verb): A close synonym, though "run out" can sometimes imply a more orderly or planned exit, while "bolt out" strongly implies a panicked or rushed one.
  • Example: "I have to run out to the store." (This is a planned errand, not a sudden escape.)

Synonyms

• Dash out
• Rush out
• Flee
• Make a run for it
• Take off

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Run out: To leave quickly. (Note: This can also mean to exhaust a supply, which is a different meaning.)
  • Example: "She ran out in tears."
• Dart out: To move out suddenly and swiftly.
  • Example: "The child darted out into the street."

Related Idioms

• Make a bolt for it: To try to escape suddenly.
  • Example: "When the guard looked away, the prisoner made a bolt for it."
• Take French leave: To leave abruptly or without permission (old-fashioned idiom).
  • Example: "He took French leave from the party without saying goodbye."

Verb

1. leave suddenly and as if in a hurry
   • The listeners bolted when he discussed his strange ideas
   • When she started to tell silly stories, I ran out